Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin turns heads with surprise gesture towards Red Wings legend Pavel Datsyuk
Photo credit: NHL
Russian forward Alex Ovechkin looked up to the Detroit Red Wings' own Pavel Datsyuk, and as he participated in the "Magic Game" honoring Datsyuk in Yekaterinburg, he paid a surprise tribute to #13.
The Detroit Red Wings didn't know what they'd get in former 7th-round pick Pavel Datsyuk. Little did they know they'd found one of the best Russian forwards in the NHL, and a future Hall of Famer.
For Alex Ovechkin, who looked up to the Red Wing, he was more than excited to suit up and participate in the Magic Game in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
The game was to honor Pavel Datsyuk in his home country and featured a who's who of legendary NHLers.
The event saw multiple iconic Russian hockey talents take the ice, including Datsyuk's former Red Wings teammate Sergei Fedorov along with Ilya Kovalchuk, Alexey Morozov, and Maxim Afinogenov. Additionally, current NHL forward Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild took part.
Magical Finish to Pavel Datsyuk's Professional Hockey Career
Datsyuk's team would end up winning the contest, 13-8, while the Magic Man added four points, with two goals and two assists. He cemented his farewell to hockey with an epic finish.
Alex Ovechkin Pays Tribute to Pavel Datsyuk Live:
After the match concluded, Alex Ovechkin would take some time and discuss the effect Datsyuk had on his playing career in the NHL.
«Of course, it's sad,» Ovechkin said via MatchTV. «Because we played together for the national team and for Dynamo. Datsyuk was such a mentor, a role model. His work on and off the ice, his human qualities will be remembered for a lifetime."
"It's a pity that such hockey players and people end their careers,» Ovechkin continued. «But today was a wonderful holiday. A very beautiful show that he put on for the fans. Everyone will remember this 'The Magic Game' for a long time. Especially since Pavel held it at his home, in Yekaterinburg."
"It's a pity that such hockey players and people end their careers,» Ovechkin continued. «But today was a wonderful holiday. A very beautiful show that he put on for the fans. Everyone will remember this 'The Magic Game' for a long time. Especially since Pavel held it at his home, in Yekaterinburg."
Datsyuk would be a two-time Stanley Cup winner in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings. Since he concluded his 953 NHL game career, he'd return to Russia to play in the KHL and has since found a job with the KHL's own Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg as a developmental coach.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 1 | 277 ANSWERS Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin turns heads with surprise gesture towards Red Wings legend Pavel Datsyuk Do you think forward Pavel Datsyuk is one of the best Russian-born Detroit Red Wings players ever? | ||
| Yes | 253 | 91.3 % |
| No | 24 | 8.7 % |
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